Easy Communication with teachers: get the support Your Kid needs

Do you want to know how to talk to your child’s teacher to get the support your child needs. make things easier and more productive for your child at school?

We’ve got your back! With two teenagers with ADHD and learning challenges, we have been talking to teachers for a long time.

Whether your kids have a specific diagnosis or just need a bit of support, we will show you how to build a cooperative and supportive relationship with your child’s teacher and most importantly get your kid the help they need.

1. Share What You Know about your child

Teachers love to have a lot of information about their students.

Taking the time to share what you know about your child will further enhance your ability to communicate effectively with the teacher.

Share what has worked in the past at school and what works at home. This way you are working together as a team from the start.

Be open to questions about your kiddo, if your teachers need some additional information. The more the teacher knows, the better.

2. Make sure you are prepared for meetings

Think about what you’d like to gain from the meeting. Before any converstiaon with teachers or staff, take some time to reflect on what you’d like the outcome of the meeting to be.

Perhaps you’d like a better understanding of what is going on in the classroom. Maybe there is specific issue you need to discuss.

Be sure to go into your conversation with a spirit of curiosity and positivity. “I’m wondering if this would work in your classroom?”, “What do you think about trying this?”, “What are your suggestions for helping her be successful this year?” are all good ways to start a conversation and share what you think might work.

Make sure you provide the teacher with copies of all relevant documents and information you have gathered about your child. You might have test results from a psychiatrist, written recommendations from your primary care doctor, their 504 plan or IEP goals.

3. Listen to The Teacher’s Perspective

Remember you know your child best in the environment outside of school. The teacher is the expert on your child in school. It’s up to you to share everything you can about your child and do all you can to ensure your child is getting the services they need.

Listen to what the teacher has to say.Teachers get a unique view of your child. You will most likely never see enough of how they perform with 20 plus kids around. So, make sure to actively listen to their perspective and concerns. Truly understanding their viewpoint is a big part in building a stronger partnership.

4. Lead with something positive

When you lead with a positive comment it sets the tone for a more open conversation and ultimately a way to get your child’s needs met quickly.

Make it a habit to reach out to the teacher when something positive is happening, as well.This is just a great practice – your kid is doing lots of great stuff.

Teachers are doing heroic work on a daily basis. There are many ways to show appreciation but a little note or email just to say you are recognizing the teacher’s work really feels good and matters a lot.

5. Offer Your Support and Empathy

Recognize that teachers are busy professionals and may have many more students just like your child. By acknowledging their efforts and expressing gratitude for their dedication, you can build a foundation for effective collaboration.

Pro Tip: Come right out and say, “Listen, I know my kiddo is not easy and I am here to work with you to make sure they show up and perform to the best of their abilities. How can I support you in the classroom?”

Remember, it can take some time to gain an ally. Be supportive by giving the teacher time and space to respond and get to know your child. It can also take time (two to three weeks) to know if a new support is working. Check in every other week or so, to see if there is anything else you can do to help support your child in the classroom.

6. check in regularly

Regularly communicate with the teacher to discuss any concerns or updates. This open line of communication will not only benefit your child but also foster a collaborative and supportive environment.

Try to set up regular meetings or check-ins with the teacher so they can give you feedback and share what is working. You can also let them know how things are going at home and continue to give valuable information about your child, as the year progresses.

7. Remember, You are your child’s best advocate

Anytime you are talking to a teacher, remember, you are their best advocate. No one will “fight” for your child like you can.

Your child is unique. Even if teachers have had lots of experiences supporting all sorts of kids in the classroom, they don’t know YOUR kid.

Teachers and School Staff are usually very busy and overworked (speaking from experience). They are always doing the best they can AND may need to be reminded to attend to your specific conern.

Offer to follow up with them in a few weeks to see how things are going or if they have any new insight into a situation

8. Last, But Not Least – Never underestimate a small gift.

This is a bit of a personal tip! As a veteran teacher of 20 plus years, a small gift at the beginning (middle or end)of the year is very much appreciated and can go a long way! A Starbucks card, cute notepad, or 8 pack of LaCroix will send the message that you know how hard teachers work.

See my big list of great teacher gifts here.